Peter Baracchini

2 weeks ago | thehockeywriters.com | Peter Baracchini

If there was any more validation that Erie Otters defender Matthew Schaefer is the top prospect at the 2025 NHL Draft, he can add some hardware to that label as he won the Canadian Hockey League’s Top Prospect Award. Schaefer became the second Otter player to win the award after Connor McDavid won it back in 2014-15. Despite only playing in 17 games this season, it was more than enough to give Schaefer the top prospect label and the consensus first overall label for the upcoming draft.

2 weeks ago | thehockeywriters.com | Peter Baracchini

The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is quickly approaching. With the NHL Draft Combine in the books, rankings all over the place and a season of constant looks and views of the top prospects, NHL teams are in the final stages of completing their homework on who would be the best fit for their team and be a part of the future. There’s one thing that’s for sure, that’s Matthew Schaefer definitely being the top name in the class and there’s going to be a lot of uncertainty after him.

2 weeks ago | thehockeywriters.com | Peter Baracchini

While the Toronto Maple Leafs could be looking at potential replacements for Mitch Marner in free agency, if he decides to sign elsewhere. There’s another thing they need to address which could be a long offseason. That’s the depth scoring that was inconsistent in both the regular and postseason. It was a better bottom part of the lineup compared to previous seasons, but there’s always room for improvement.

2 weeks ago | thehockeywriters.com | Peter Baracchini

2024-25 Team: UMass (NCAA)Date of Birth: Jun. 23, 200Place of Birth: King City, ON, CANHt: 6-foot-1 Wt: 185 poundsShoots: LPosition: DNHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 third-year eligibleNHL Central Scouting: 82nd (among NA skaters)McKeen’s Hockey: 82ndPeter Baracchini’s Final Rankings: 94thIt’s never easy for players to get passed over in multiple drafts. However, it’s never the end of the journey as there’s always the possibility of catching a team’s eye further down the line.

3 weeks ago | thehockeywriters.com | Peter Baracchini

2024-25 Team: USA U18 (NTDP)Date of Birth: May 16, 2007Place of Birth: Wilmette, IL, USAHt: 6-feet Wt: 196 poundsShoots: LPosition: DNHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligibleNHL Central Scouting: 96th (among NA skaters)Peter Baracchini’s Final Rankings: 120th  The National Development Team didn’t have any high-end upside defenders, though, they have plenty of defenders that can still impact the game positively.